Sue Watson

Foundation Governor (Appointed by PCC)

I have lived in Tolworth all my life. I went to Tolworth Infants School, St Matthews junior school and then Roseberry Grammar School in Epsom. My working life involved being with Mr Alec Reed in starting up Reed Employment Ltd, I was also a NCT teacher some years ago. I am a committed member of Christ Church (church) where I lead the young children’s group each Sunday additionally, I am a member of the Parochial Church Council and I also help lead Bible Club and holiday club at Christ Church School. I have 3 children, who all went to Christ Church School, to Tiffin Girls and Sutton Grammar. I now have 3 grandchildren. I have been a Governor for several years; it is something that I enjoy doing. The job has changed greatly over the years I have been involved but it is a very rewarding part of my life. I hope to continue to be part of Christ Church School for many years to come.

Suzie Askew

Co-Opted Governor

I recently joined the School Governors and chair the Finance and Asset Management Committee. I'm a Chartered Accountant and have worked in professional services for the last 15 years.

I grew up over in Epsom and returned to Surrey 4 years ago, settling in Hinchley Wood. I have a daughter who is 5 and started at primary school in September.

I wanted to become a Governor for two main reasons, firstly to lean a bit more about the education system, and secondly to put my finance skills to use in giving something back to the community.

Ruth James

Acting Headteacher

I have been Deputy Headteacher at Christ Church Primary School since 2014 having been a Class teacher in another church school in Kingston and as Mathematics advisor for Kingston Borough. I am an STA qualified Lead moderator for Key Stage 1 for schools in Kingston and Richmond. I am also a member of the Association of Teachers of Mathematics and Mathematical Association Primary Group which is a national committee that helps to respond to new Government policy and aspects of wider training in Primary mathematics.

I have a strong belief in enriched and high quality children’s education to encourage children to be the best that they can be and to encourage them to take all opportunities that are available throughout their lives. Children in our school respond well to the Christian ethos in school whether from a Christian background, another faith or no faith and I feel privileged to be part of such an enthusiastic and supportive learning community.

Alan Slade

Foundation Governor (Appointed by PCC)

I joined Christ Church School as a foundation Governor in 2007. As a qualified teacher who had moved out of the profession I felt that I wanted to be involved in my son’s education and education as a whole. In 2000 my wife and I moved to the UK from South Africa. When our son, Nicholas, started school I felt that one way I could give back to the community was to become a governor. My knowledge of education would allow me to effectively contribute to the school and help deliver an environment for high quality education. My family and I have been living in the Surbiton / Tolworth area for the past 19 years. We have been members of Christ Church for the past 16 years and love the sense of community we feel as members of the parish and past members of the school community. I am fully committed to providing a high quality education. I take my responsibility as a Governor very seriously and believe it is our duty to provide the best foundation we can for our children so that they have the ability to grasp all opportunities life will put in front of them.

Carol Buchanan

LEA Governor (Appointed by foundation/trust)

I have recently been appointed to the Governing Body at Christ Church School. I live locally and have lived in and worked in the borough for thirty years.

I have recently retired after working in Education as a school inspector in Kingston and more recently in Richmond. I have also worked as an Ofsted inspector with a particular expertise in Inclusion and Special Educational Needs. As a teacher I worked in primary and secondary schools in London.

Chris Newport

Foundation Governor (Appointed by SDBE)

I have been a foundation governor of Christ Church School since 1999 and was Chair for over 15 years. Apart from responsibilities as Chair I had ex officio membership to all the governor sub committees with particular involvement in Finance and Asset Management, Personnel and Performance Management and Safeguarding. My curricular and pupil voice interests are in Maths and the School Council. My work background prior to retirement is Local Government and in particular Environmental Health. 33 years working for Kingston Council provided a detailed insight into how the relationship between School, Council and Government functions. My daughter and son attended Christ Church School during the 1980’s during which time I served on the PSA so my relationship with the school and community is long standing.

Steve Richardson

Elected Parent Governor

I grew up in Nottingham and settled in Surbiton having completed a degree in Business and Finance at Kingston University. I now work for an Asset Management company delivering Finance Technology projects.
I have two girls at Christ Church and was elected to the Governing Board as a Parent Governor in 2019. Coming from a family of teachers, I’ve always been connected to the Education sector, so was keen to volunteer and give something back to the school when the opportunity arose. I’m passionate about seeing children reach their potential, having worked in sports coaching, and firmly believe that all children should be provided with the best possible education and a equal start in life. I look forward to contributing all I can to Christ Church School in the coming years.

Kate Kim

Foundation Governor

I have moved into Surbiton in 2014 and have 2 boys currently attending Christ church school and 1 toddler girl.
I am originally from South Korea and came to England when I was 17 with my family and lived in Surrey since then.
I completed CACHE level 3 Childcare course at Kingston college and worked as a qualified nursery nurse in 2 different nurseries (Lewisham and Caterham). I also worked with CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) of Britain after mission training in Switzerland and gained a lot of experience in teaching Bible to primary school age children and in teacher training for grownups which also involved some ways for RE lessons for school teachers as well. I graduated the PFS (Prepared For Serivce) Bible course ran by FIEC (Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches) alongside the children's ministry work. I have also helped to set up Sunday schools in a few different Korean churches in New Malden, and worked for some of those churches as a children and youth worker for last few years.
We are member of Christ Church Surbiton and really enjoying the fellowship in community together.
We are so thankful for Christ Church school for our children with its ethos and vision, and I would love to contribute my skills and experiences in any way possible to help and improve for children's faith and in their journey of spiritual life.

Sharon Bane

Staff Governor

I have been teaching at Christ Church for 4 years and am on the SLT as well as being the UKS2 Phase leader. I enjoy being at Christ Church and have always been made to feel an integral part of the Christ Church family.
I have been teaching for nearly 30 years and spent over 20 of those years teaching year 6 so I am very aware of the expectations for pupils when they finish their primary school education.
I am a parent and grandparent myself so I can view the position and interests of pupils, parents and staff with an open mind.
I look forward to undertaking my role as teacher governor and aim to serve the interests of all parties involved in the development and future of a thriving Church school.

Bart Erlebach

Foundation Governor

The Vicar of Christ Church is an ex-officio governor at the school, but while there is a vacancy at the church I am taking on that role.
I am an Associate Vicar leading Emmanuel Church. My 3 children all benefitted from attending Christ Church School with the youngest having left to go to Secondary School in the summer of 2019.
I am keen to support such a good school who have served our children well and to encourage the ongoing commitment to having the person and teaching of Jesus shape the life of the school.

John Shepherd

Ex-Officio Governor

I have recently joined the Governing Body at Christ Church school as the new Vicar of Christ Church Surbiton Hill. I have been involved in ministry in London, Manchester, NE Brazil, and Chesham, and have 12 years experience as a governor at a KS2 Junior School in Buckinghamshire.

I am excited about being part of a school community where the educational, emotional and spiritual development of young people are integrated. I hope to see close links between the church and the school develop, with both serving as important community hubs in Berrylands and Surbiton, and that children and families feel welcome in the life of the church.

Rachel Jones

Foundation Governor

My professional background is as a primary school teacher. Although not in post currently, I have over 20 years experience across key stages, curriculum areas and in senior leadership. I now provide consultancy input for Local Authorities and Regional Adoption Agencies primarily related to post adoption support. As of September 2022, I have two children attending Christ Church School. One in Year 5 and the other in reception. I am a committed member of Christ Church Church, Surbiton Hill and have been for well over a decade.

Louise Morton

Parent Governor

To follow...

Tracey Coton

Headteacher

I have been Head teacher at Christ Church School since September 2002. During this time, I have seen the school grow from one form to two form entry and then the addition of four additional classes to support the Local Authority’s need for school places in this area.

At Christ Church there are wonderful children, dedicated staff, supportive parents and a great community to work within. I am enormously proud of all our pupils and the contribution each one of them brings to make school life special. Christian values and ethos are at the heart of the school. Our aim is to provide children with a high- quality education where purposeful learning, stimulus and a full partnership between teachers and parents encourage each child to reach his/her maximum potential.

During my time in Kingston I have been involved in many education committees and groups. Currently I am a Local Leader of Education and act as a mentor to new Head teachers, work in a consultancy role with other schools outside the Local Authority and am a member of Kingston’s School’s Forum. The Schools Forum consults on the local authority’s school funding formula and specified issues relating to the schools' budget, such as proposals to meet Special Educational Needs, transport costs, or termination of employment costs from this budget.

Although I have been teaching a long time I remain passionate about education and every day feel encouraged by the learning enthusiasm of the children and the dedication of the all the staff.

Jonathan Feasby

Parent Governor

I joined the Board of Governors in November 2021. I joined to help the school provide an excellent educational experience for all pupils.

I am a father of 2 daughters, both pupils at Christ Church, Bella and Amelia. Beyond being a parent, my career is within Telecoms, this has enabled me to develop a portfolio of skills I can use to support Christ Church. These skills will be especially beneficial to guide the school with the demands of the modern world.

As the son of two teachers I have always believed in the value of education to help all children achieve their full potential.

Libby Lazenby

Clerk to Governors

I joined Christ Church as Clerk to the Governors in January 2021. I have been the Clerk at St John's, Portland Road since April 2019. I have worked in administration, office and PA roles most of my working life and really enjoy using this experience in a school setting.

I have three children age 11, 9 and 3 who take up most of my time. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and being part of the community here in Kingston and Surbiton.

Linda Oladokun

Foundation Governor (Appointed by SDBE)

I am passionate about seeing children achieve their full potential, this led me to pursue a career in teaching. This passion has also led me to my first position as a foundation governor at Christ Church Primary School. I attend the King’s Church Epsom, where my husband and I serve on the leadership team. I have been involved in teaching children and young people in the church for over 25 years.

My family and I moved from Nigeria to the UK in 2003. I have a 20 year old son, who is at the university of Bristol studying ancient history and a 17 year old daughter, who is in year 12 at the Rosebery School, in Epsom.

I have a Biochemistry degree; worked as a performance officer for many years at Mole Valley District Council, Dorking, before completing a post graduate certificate in education. I worked as a maths teacher at St Paul’s Catholic College, Sunbury for four years before moving to Carshalton High School for Girls, where I continue to teach maths. I am also the assistant head for year 8. I look forward to working with the other governors to make Christ Church Primary School a successful and outstanding school.